Blue Jays seem prepared to make major bullpen mistake this offseason

The Toronto Blue Jays have spent the early part of this offseason addressing their bullpen, but their approach to these upgrades could leave them vulnerable in 2024. While bolstering the relief corps is a worthy goal, the team’s reliance on the acquisitions of Yimi García and Nick Sandlin may not be enough to secure success in the hyper-competitive AL East.

Blue Jays Bullpen Moves So Far

The additions of García and Sandlin suggest the Blue Jays are prioritizing depth in their bullpen. Yimi García brings experience and a track record of consistency, while Nick Sandlin offers promise as a younger arm with upside. These moves aim to shore up a relief group that already features de facto closer Chad Green and Erik Swanson to fill up the late innings.

However, these additions might fall short of addressing the bullpen’s true shortcomings. The 2024 Jays’ bullpen struggled heavily, posting a 4.82 ERA (29th in all of MLB) and a -1.86 Win Probability Added. Without a clear-cut elite setup man or additional late-inning firepower, the team risks struggling in high-leverage situations, as the Blue Jays went 36/59 in save situations.

The risks of complacency in the Blue Jays' bullpen are overwhelming

A strong bullpen can be the backbone of a playoff-contending team, but it’s only as good as its depth and reliability in key moments. By leaning on incremental upgrades like García and Sandlin, the Blue Jays may be underestimating the importance of having multiple shutdown relievers to navigate tight games.

This approach is particularly concerning, given the offensive firepower of division rivals like the Yankees and Rays, who often force opponents into high-pressure late-game scenarios. A bullpen with gaps or untested pieces could falter in these matchups, costing the Jays crucial wins.

Missed Opportunities

The free agent market and trade block have offered several proven high-leverage relievers this offseason, yet the Blue Jays’ moves so far suggest they are content with modest additions. Names like Tanner Scott or Kenley Jansen (if made available via trade), or even trading with the St. Louis Cardinals for Ryan Helsley, who the Blue Jays have been linked to, would represent important upgrades.

Moreover, focusing solely on depth risks ignoring the importance of roles. Adding multiple reliable middle-inning relievers without addressing the need for a proven eighth-inning specialist leaves the bullpen’s hierarchy unclear. Teams that contend for championships often have clearly defined roles that build trust and confidence in high-stakes moments.

A Path Forward

If the Blue Jays hope to compete in 2025, they cannot afford to rely on minor bullpen tweaks alone. The front office should remain aggressive, looking for opportunities to add at least one more high-impact arm.

Additionally, the team needs to address bullpen strategy as a whole. This includes optimizing usage patterns, improving matchups, and building flexibility to handle the grueling demands of a 162-game season. The best bullpens in baseball succeed because they are adaptable and prepared for every scenario—not just because of raw talent.

Conclusion

The Blue Jays’ decision to focus on bullpen additions isn’t inherently flawed, but their current approach leaves much to be desired. García and Sandlin are solid pieces, but they aren’t the game-changing additions needed to transform the bullpen into a strength that can carry the team through October.

By standing pat or making only incremental moves, the Jays risk falling short of their lofty aspirations. The AL East is unforgiving, and a patchwork bullpen is unlikely to hold up against the division’s elite offenses. If Toronto truly aims to compete for a championship in 2025, the front office must take a more ambitious approach to building the bullpen—before it’s too late.